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Recently we have seen players getting into trouble for things they have done on the social networking website Twitter. In January of this year former Liverpool player Ryan Babel was fined £10,000 for posting a photo of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt. The post was intended as a joke and a reaction to decisions that were made in the match featuring Liverpool and Manchester United refereed by Webb.

Within the last few days, Carlton Cole faces a charge for a comment he made on his Twitter account. Cole made the comment during the recent international friendly between England and Ghana. Cole tweeted “Immigration has surrounded the Wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! Hahahaha. The only way to get out safely is to wear an England jersey and paint your face w/ the St. George’s flag!”

It appears that charges for the use of Twitter are becoming more common and it is certainly something players will need to be vigilant of. The real issue here is who should be policing the use of Twitter, the club the player/s are contracted to, the players themselves or the FA?

At the moment it seems like the FA are taking control – but in the first case can matters of this nature be kept in house by the club? Is there any scope for an outright ban on Twitter or would that make matters worse?

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I think there is also a role that can be played by both the FA and the club in the form of education. It would be useful to everyone if the FA can release some information on what sort of things are likely to be investigated and what sort of things are just harmless banter. The club can let their players know that they should be careful on what they write on Twitter and again outline what sort of things the players should aim to stay away from.

Once players have a clear understanding on what they should and should not write then they can regulate themselves; if they then step out of those guidelines and get fined by the FA they really only have themselves to blame. But as Ipswich Town player Billy Clark recently found out, it’s not always a case of comments that can get you into trouble with the FA that you have to be wary of. Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell recently made the decision to not offer Clark a new contract beyond the end of this season. Clark foolishly made a public tweet directed towards a fan to suggest he was glad to be leaving and after hearing about this Jewell has informed Clark that if he feels this way then he should leave immediately.

Twitter is a wonderful tool and used the right way can bring players, fans and the club closer together – but it should be respected and used sensibly.

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has quashed speculation linking him with a move for Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao.

Rumours continue to circulate about a possible transfer to Real Madrid for Ashley Cole but Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to keep the former Arsenal star at Stamford Bridge.

When asked about the Coentrao rumours, Ancelotti said: "It is not true, totally rubbish."

However, the Blues boss has confirmed that he expects the £18million capture of Benfica's Brazil international Ramires to be sealed shortly, adding:"Ramires is, until now, a Benfica player. When he is here, I can speak about him, not now.

"I don't want to speak about Ramires. When Ramires signs a contract for Chelsea, he will sign. This is the same for other players. I read a lot of names in the newspapers."

Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Juliano Belletti have all left Chelsea since the end of last season, while the only high-profile arrival has been Yossi Benayoun, and Ancelotti admitted:"For us, after a fantastic season, it was very difficult to change this squad.

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"We were totally agreed to maintain this squad. To put some young players in this squad from our academy, this was our aim. After a fantastic season, we could repeat the same season this year with these players.

"I think that the teams that can win the title will be the same as last year, including, obviously, Man City, because they've bought fantastic players."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

The groans could probably be heard two hundred miles away, in the studio where the two balls had just been plucked out of the proverbial hat. In the third round of the FA Cup, both Manchester teams had not been afforded a nice easy introduction to the season’s competition. No, the Cup holders would be playing the League Champions. Again.

I’ve no doubt plenty of fans would have been overjoyed at the news, or at least bullish, defiant, confident even. Bravado was much in evidence on the social media and message board streams. Bring it on, and all that. For United, a chance for revenge, the 6-1 home league humiliation and cup defeat of last season still fresh in the mind. For City, a chance to turn the screw further, to make up more ground after decades of lagging behind with a cigarette in hand, out of breath, the kid at the back of the cross-country run.

Or as Franny Lee rather optimistcally tweeted, a chance to end United’s season in early January.

Plenty like me however, are anything but overjoyed. Many United fans would like nothing more than to avoid a meeting with City right now, for obvious reasons. But on the other hand, City will still have plenty to fear too. This will hardly be another walk in the park for City, it will almost certainly be close, where any team could win. And as I have commented before, I hate derby days with a passion. I would be perfectly happy to never play United more than twice a season, even if in some hypothetical world they became utter dross whilst City ruled the world. I’d still hate it. Football is supposed to be about days like these, the nerves, the tension, the passion, and the upside of victory is greater than against any other side. But to be honest, it just makes me ill and ruins my appetite.

But that’s not the main reason – it’s not about me and my delicate stomach. There is of course the possibility that the tie could go to a replay. And the last thing City needed was having to put out their strongest team for the third round of the FA Cup once, never mind twice. In the period around the match, City must play Liverpool three times. This is coming just after the ever-busy Christmas programme. Then there’s the small matter of a game against Spurs, and the inconvenience of the Toure brothers jetting off to the African Cup of Nations for up to two months (ok, the inconvenience of Yaya Toure jetting off to the African Cup of Nations). City might have strength in depth, but their squad is the same size as everyone else’s and they are only a couple of injuries away from having plenty of problems.

This is not to moan at the fixture congestion of course, it is the price of success, merely to point out that a home tie with a League Two side would have been a lot easier for City to cope with. After all, Liverpool have a straightforward home cup tie to deal with, so will have the opportunity to rest players for their semi-final dates with City. Still, having to play two games in three days didn’t seem to do Liverpool or City much harm the other week.

And United could do without it too. Yes, they managed to skilfully avoid the inconvenience of two January Carling Cup ties, but have just lost Hernandez through injury, whilst the likes of Owen and Berbatov already seek treatment. A home tie to Macclesfield (or Chelmsford) would have suited them just as much. The cup defeat to Crystal Palace perhaps suggested that Ferguson doesn’t have the strength of depth that he had hoped. The new-wave of youth products set to break through to the first team don’t appear to be the real deal just yet. As Ferdinand succumbs to the ravages of time, Evra continues through a run of poor form, the Da Silva brothers appear to be made of balsa wood and an extra Manchester derby is probably not what the doctor ordered. At least United won’t lose anyone important for duties in Africa.

The problem is that neither manager can afford to play a weakened side – they could get away with a few changes and everything would be rosy, but get it wrong and the results would be disastrous and the fans not happy. It will be a difficult balancing act for Mancini and Ferguson to decide what players to pick.

It’s a bit harsh perhaps to view such a big tie in such a cynical and unromantic light. A tie that raises the eyebrows of all viewers when the teams are drawn – the sort of tie that makes a cup draw such a thrilling event, that makes the third round FA Cup draw one of the highlights of the season. It’s the magic of the cup and all that. And the losers can concentrate on the league. But in the cold light of day, it’s a distraction during the busiest time of the season that both teams could probably do without.

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The WAGs of Premier League footballers get just as much attention as the players themselves these days. There was the whole John Terry v Wayne Bridge incident last season, which saw Vanessa Perroncel coming between the ex-Chelsea teammates. This season we’ve seen Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney hit the front pages for his actions off the pitch that will have put him in the doghouse with Coleen, which is exactly where Tottenham’s Peter Crouch finds himself after cheating on Abbey Clancy.

Given the increased status of football WAGs we thought it was only right and proper to put the spotlight on the best of the best, the Lionel Messi’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s of the WAG world. They’re showcased in all their glory in our countdown of the Top Ten Premier League WAGs. You won’t be surprised to know that Rooney’s recent bits on the side didn’t make the list, but who did make the list?

Click on the beautiful Daniela Martins to see the top 10 Premier League WAGS

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Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has not ruled out the possibility of both James Beattie and Dave Kitson playing for the first team this season.

Both players have been frozen out of the Potters' pre-season programme, the latest match of which ended in a 2-1 win against Burnley.

However, Pulis said:"Beattie trained with the other players who never came, because I wanted to give Mama Sidibe, Ricardo Fuller and Tuncay time in the middle.

"James would have just sat it out, so he had a training session back at the ground instead and I'm told he worked his socks off.

"Beattie and Kitson are both Stoke City players. At the moment they are working hard to keep fit and, if we need them, we need them."

Beattie has been linked with a £1.5million switch to West Brom while Pulis has denied that he is ready to launch a £9million bid for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole.

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When asked if there was any truth in the Cole rumours, he said:"None whatsoever.

"However, we aren't just after a striker, but three or four players if we can. We have money to spend, but it's got to be the right players at the right prices."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Sir Alex Ferguson will celebrate 25 years in the Manchester United hotseat on Sunday, and has stated that his time at Old Trafford has been a fairytale.

The Scottish coach has had unchartered success with the current Premier League champions since moving from Aberdeen in November 1986, and has applauded the players that he has had at his disposal over the last quarter century.

“It is a bit of a fairytale to last so long,” he stated in a press conference.

“It has been a fantastic spell for me. It is something you don’t think is going to happen and I appreciate that. When I look back I say to myself how fortunate I am to have had these players.

“The list is incredible, going back to the very start with Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Brian McClair, (Mark) Hughes, (Paul) Ince, (Roy) Keane, (Eric) Cantona. What a collection of players. They were fantastic players.

“It is hard to think I controlled all these players for so long.

“Now to the present era of players we see today, different personalities and different cultures.

“It is difficult to put everything in a box. I don’t think you can do that. It is such a varied time in management. Things change as the years go on. There is a different way of managing today than there was even seven or eight years ago,” he stated.

Ferguson had previously intended to step down back in 2002, but changed his mind to continue at the club until the current day; he still has no plans to retire from management.

“I will continue as long as I feel healthy enough to do it,” the 69-year-old concluded.

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The Red Devils take on Sunderland on Saturday, and the players will be keen to record a victory to celebrate Ferguson’s momentous milestone.

By Gareth McKnight

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We all love a spectacular goal, and since the start of the Premier League back in the 90s, we have seen a fair few stunners. But what would you regard as the greatest Premier League goal of all-time? Would you go for a goal that required a great technique? Is a long-range strike what you’re looking for? Or does it all depend on how important the goal is?

Choosing the best Premier League goal of all-time is too great a task for one man, so we’ve gone all democratic and decided to give you the fans the final say! There will be no coalition here, just one great goal that has received the most votes. There’s no way you can remember all of the great goals that the Premier League has seen, so we’ve even got some videos to jog your memory. Simply watch a bundle of great strikes and then vote for the greatest Premier League goal ever!

Click on the image to see the contenders – ENJOY

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The 2010 World Cup was a historic one for all of football as Africa hosted their first ever World Cup. Not only did the host nation South Africa embrace the tournament but so did the whole continent and it was truly a remarkable day for football when the first game kicked off between the hosts South Africa and Mexico. Although nobody realistically thought the Bafana Bafana or indeed any African nation would win the World Cup it would be have been truly stunning had it been achieved.

It does however make you think will an African nation ever be able to win one and what will it take for it to happen? The great Pele incorrectly predicted that an African team would win the World Cup by the end of the 20th Century, despite his incorrect prediction; the African teams have all greatly improved in recent years. Many of them have produced some world class players, but unfortunately they haven’t all been for one team. As a result most African teams seem to have one or two world class players and then the rest are either good or average. If only Africa could play as a continent then they would have a great team that might even possibly be able to win a World Cup.

Here is what a current Africa XI could look like:

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria)

The Nigerian goalkeeper really came to prominence in the World Cup despite the Super Eagles poor showing, he was named as man of the match two of their three games. Enyeama’s form has seen him linked with a move to the Premiership this season and it is hardly surprising, he has been overlooked for some time and perhaps now will get some deserved recognition.

Right Back: Madjid Bougherra (Algeria)

Rangers player Bougherra is very much a ‘footballing defender’, he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, so much so that he won the award for the Scottish Premier League goal of the season last year. The former Charlton player has been linked with a move to Barcelona following his impressive form in Glasgow for the past two years.

Centre-Back: Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)

Experienced defender Toure is one of the lynch pins of the Ivory Coast, although he may be inconsistent at time for Manchester City he is a reliable presence for his country. Although he has yet to recapture his Arsenal form at club level remains a top player.

Centre-Back: John Mensah (Ghana)

Former Sunderland loanee Mensah was a rock in defence for Ghana at the World Cup; he was definitely one of the main reasons why the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals. Interestingly statistics show that Sunderland were better in games last season with Mensah in the side than without.

Left Back: Taye Taiwo (Nigeria)

The marauding left back has long been considered the ‘Nigerian Roberto Carlos’, his game is very much based on the legendary Brazilians and also has a powerful left foot; Taiwo has long been admired for his efforts with his club Marseille.

Right Midfield: Mohamed Sissoko (Mali)

Juventus midfielder Sissoko is a tough tackling player who always gives his all, although he may not have had the best of times at Liverpool he has really flourished in Turin and is a firm fans favourite at the club.

Centre Midfield: Michael Essien (Ghana)

Arguably the best African player in the world right now, Essien is the perfect midfielder. He can tackle, shoot and pass all with great ability; it’s no wonder why he is currently the most expensive African player of all time. Unfortunately Essien didn’t get a chance to show off skills in South Africa as he picked up an injury in the African Cup of Nations which ruled him out.

Centre Midfield: Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

The new Manchester City signing has been a great player for Barcelona in the last few years and can consider himself unlucky to have been deemed not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans for next season.

Left Midfield: Seydou Keita (Mali)

A regular in the midfield for Barcelona, a lot of Keita’s work goes un-noticed but he has shown to be a key player for the side at times. The Malian always works tirelessly for the team and covers a lot of distance whenever he plays.

Centre Forward: Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Drogba has shown himself to be one of the most lethal strikers in Europe at Chelsea, the front man is big and powerful and a constant threat for defenders, who have to be at the top of their game to handle him. It’s fair to say he isn’t everybody’s favourite player but love him or hate him, the man is a class act.

Centre Forward: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

Eto’o has also proved to be one of the best strikers in the world, his blistering pace and fantastic finishing ability have gotten on him so many goals in recent years, a truly fantastic striker.

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Do you think that team would be good enough to win the World Cup?

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Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer

Manchester City first team coach Fausto Salsano has admitted that the club are keen to sign Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi from Serie A side Napoli the Mirror reports.

Salsano revealed that the pair are top of manager Roberto Mancini transfer hit list with the Italian still desperate to strengthen a squad still fighting for trophies on four fronts.

During their time at the Stadio San Paolo Slovakian playmaker Hamsik and Argentine striker Lavezzi have become regarded as two of the brightest stars in European football and Salsano has admitted City are monitoring their progress carefully.

He said: “Manchester City are watching Napoli very carefully. I can confirm Mancini’s interest in Hamsik because I have been to watch the Slovak.

“Marek has become a very important player with the right experience. Lavezzi, on the other hand, is a devastating player who can hurt you one-on-one. Hamsik and Lavezzi are players we like because our aim is to do great things.”

The coaches comments are likely to infuriate Azurri boss Walter Mazzarri with the Naples club in the same Champions League group as City and news of their interest could potentially unnerve the duo with  bid from the Etihad Stadium is expected in January.

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After Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland at The Emirates on Saturday, I sympathise with them. They were very unlucky. They deserved a penalty for the rugby tackle by Titus Bramble and they had a legitimate goal disallowed. Both decisions led to Arsenal not getting 3 points, which on another day they could so easily have won. However, Arsene Wenger’s comments at the end of the match could prove to be detrimental for Arsenal, particularly with the impending match against Barcelona.

His first comment on the refereeing was “I’m too disgusted to speak about it frankly”. He continued, “these kind of decisions have too big an impact on the Premiership”. Wenger had clearly lost his cool and was feeling hard-done-by. And his bitterness over Arsenal’s continued lack of silverware came through when he said “It’s not the first time”.

The implication seems to be that ‘the whole world is against’. Furthermore, it shows that Wenger felt these 2 points could cost them the Premier League. These comments will only bring previous failures and injustices to the surface.

Obviously, this might not have been the worst thing Wenger could have possibly said, but I think these comments will have done nothing to help his team.

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I was much more impressed with Wilshere’s attitude. He saw the game as a “good point” and added that there was a “long way to go in this title race”. This showed a side of maturity to Wilshere that I had not previously realised.

And Wilshere is right, Arsenal can still win the Premiership, they just need to keep their cool and play to their strengths. They still have to play against Manchester United in the Premier League. At the time of the interview, Manchester United still had to play against Liverpool on Sunday.

Now, United’s loss will no doubt have calmed Wenger down, but if they had won, Arsenal’s morale would have taken a huge dent. Those opinions of Wenger could have damaged more than just their Premier League hopes.

Admittedly Alex Ferguson has overreacted in recent weeks too, but I would not criticise his style of management to the same degree. He is a master of mind-games and has seen so much success at Manchester United.

In Giggs, Scholes, Van Der Sar and Ferdinand (the list goes on) they have experienced winners. Most importantly, Manchester United are not playing a hugely high-billed Champions League game on Tuesday.

Furthermore, they don’t have a recent record of giving away leads, or collapsing. The results against Newcastle and Birmingham will be lurking in Wenger’s mind as he goes to the Nou Camp, and after his comments it could well be in the player’s minds too.

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that managers are human beings. As a spectator I welcome their passionate overspills. But Wenger’s timing could not be worse. If I were an Arsenal fan I would want a bit more composure from my manager. Wenger’s comments only highlight the fact that he is getting desperate.

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To be honest, that is exactly what Arsenal are. They are desperate to win a trophy. But Arsenal’s future success will not be won through over-reaction, they will come from self-control. We have seen just how good they are going forward, but they need to match this with a sense of discipline in defence. The defenders need to match the calm of Wilshere not the desperation of Wenger.

They bounced back well from the Newcastle slip up to beat Barcelona 2-1 at home. This time, the challenge is a lot harder. They need to put a lot behind them; the Birmingham defeat and the injustice of the Sunderland game, and I hope they do, as in Europe I support all English teams.

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